Monday, September 23, 2013

Rhonda Nappi has Died

There's a Rhonda Photo Gallery at the link. I like
this photo because it shows a palm tree on her head
Rhonda Nappi died on Thursday, September 19, 2013 and it really sucks. She was 60 when she died and was married to the same man for the last 41 of those years. She worked as a front desk assistant at the Cumberland County District Attorney's Office for the last 13 years and was very much alive for the eight years that I knew her.

Monday, September 9, 2013

Robert Evon Denied Bail, Accused of International Drug Conspiracy

Last week I wrote about Robert Evon, former owner of Portland's Port City Music Hall. He was arrested on Federal Drug Trafficking charges in Portland. He was then transferred to Syracuse New York since the case was indicted out of that district. He had an arraignment there on 8/30/13 and plead not guilty. Evon remained in custody pending a detention hearing set for 9/4/13. At that hearing, the Judge heard evidence that Evon was part of an international drug smuggling operation involved with importing 77 kilograms of cocaine. She then denied him bail.

Friday, September 6, 2013

Debra Milke, On Death Row since 1990, May Be Bailed Today Pending Retrial

In 1990, Arizona prosecutors convinced a Jury that Debra Milke had two men kill her four year old son in order to collect a $5000 life insurance policy. She has always maintained her innocence. The two others confessed but would not testify against her at trial. The only evidence connecting her to the killing is her own confession which, despite orders from a detective supervisor, was not recorded or witnessed by anyone other than the lead detective. Thought it was not told to the defense at the time. detective has a long history of lying to improve his cases. Milke denies confessing.

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Proposed 72 Hour Hold for Maine Prisoners is Withdrawn

In Maine, prisoners are generally entitled to a court hearing within 48 hours of arrest. In some areas, staff and funding shortages have made if difficult to comply with the mandate. The proposal to "fix" the problem did nothing to foster compliance with the law. Instead, it would have changed the 48 hour rule to allow for up to 72 hours of pre-hearing detention. I was happy to learn today that the proposal has been withdrawn.

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Federal Drug Charge for Robert Evon, Former Port City Music Hall Owner

Robert Evon, the former owner of Portland's Port City Music Hall, has been indicted on Federal Cocaine Trafficking charges. The Indictment comes from the Northern district of New York and alleges a single count of violating 21 USC § 846 by conspiring to possess and to distribute powder cocaine, in violation of 21 USC § 841(a)(1). The Government also alleges that the conspiracy involved 5 kilograms or more triggering a mandatory minimum 10 year prison sentence. The maximum sentence is life.